Florida Hires Anthony Rossi as Men’s Tennis Associate Head Coach

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University Athletic Association has hired Anthony Rossi as Associate Head Coach of the Florida Gators Men’s Tennis Program, joining the staff for year two under Head Coach Adam Steinberg. Rossi takes the role vacated by Mat Cloer, who has accepted a job with the USTA in player development after two seasons with the Gators.
 
Rossi Brings with him a championship coaching and playing pedigree, returning to the SEC after seven seasons as a coach in the A-10, six as head coach of the VCU Rams. 
 
“We are very excited about Anthony Rossi joining the Gator family,” said Steinberg. “After an exhaustive search, Coach Rossi checked every box in the decision to offer the position of Associate Head Coach. From his outstanding playing background in the SEC, to an exemplary career as head coach of the VCU Rams that included recruiting, player development and a building a team-first culture with a high level of integrity, we are so fortunate to bring a coach of Anthony’s caliber to Gainesville. “
 
“My wife Hagan and I are excited and honored to join Gator Nation,” Rossi said. “Florida is one of the premier athletic departments in the country, and the tennis program is rich in history and tradition. I can’t wait to work with and learn from Adam [Steinberg] every day, and to support an incredible group of student athletes.”
 
Rossi was elevated to head coach of the VCU Men’s Tennis program in August of 2018 after serving one year as an assistant for the program. In his first five years at the helm, Rossi compiled a 79-31 record, led VCU to five conference titles and was named Atlantic 10 Conference Coach of the Year on five occasions (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).

During the 2024 season, Rossi Led the Rams to their fifth-straight A-10 championship, and did not drop a single dual match point in the tournament en route to the title. VCU claimed victory against Princeton in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Charlottesville Regional. Rossi led Senior Matisse Bobichon to a win in the NCAA singles tournament round of 64. Under Rossi’s tutelage, Junior Mathis Bondaz played to a No. 57 ranking per ITA, and was named the conference’s most outstanding performer.

In the 2023 season, the Rams collected an A-10 championship and fourth NCAA appearance. Charles Bertimon was also selected to play in the NCAA singles tournament. The Rams had five players selected to the A-10 first team and Bertimon was named the conferences most…